Latest news with #Siddarth
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Chennaiyin FC Suspend First-Team Operations Amid Growing ISL Uncertainty
Curated By : Siddarth Sriram Last Updated: August 06, 2025, 20:13 IST Chennaiyin FC (X) Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC have officially suspended operations of their first-team players and staff, citing ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the league. The club confirmed the decision through a statement released on social media, calling it a 'difficult but necessary" step in light of current developments. The decision follows Bengaluru FC's announcement earlier this week to freeze first-team salaries, as a growing number of ISL clubs find themselves in limbo. The 15-year Master Rights Agreement between the All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Limited, the federation's commercial and marketing partner, is all set to expire on December 8. The AIFF, however, has been restrained from renegotiating the agreement or entering into new contracts until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on the federation's draft constitution, a case that remains unresolved. This legal deadlock has left clubs, players, and commercial partners unable to plan effectively for the coming season. Chennaiyin's Statement: 'A Difficult Decision for the Family" In a heartfelt message to fans and stakeholders, Chennaiyin FC emphasized that the suspension was not taken lightly: Financial Strain Mounts Amidst League Suspension According to multiple reports, the Abhishek Bachchan and Vita Dani-owned club managed to pay salaries for the month of June but has since been unable to compensate first-team players and staff for July. The financial strain is reportedly due to the suspension of cash inflows from FSDL, the league's commercial operator, following the announcement that the 2025–26 ISL season has been put 'on hold." Chennaiyin FC had already halted its youth operations earlier this year, signaling deeper structural challenges for clubs amid the league's instability. Swipe Left For Next Video View all In July, FSDL formally announced a pause on the upcoming ISL season, citing unresolved contractual issues. The following day, the AIFF responded by asserting its commitment to ensuring the league continues as planned. However, there has been no substantial progress since then to resolve the situation. A crucial meeting is now scheduled for August 7, where the AIFF will hold talks with CEOs of all ISL clubs to chart a potential path forward. It is expected to address pressing concerns related to broadcast rights, financial viability, and operational continuity for the 2025–26 season. Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term... Read More After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term... Read More News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments News sports » football Chennaiyin FC Suspend First-Team Operations Amid Growing ISL Uncertainty Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
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Business Standard
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Planning a credit card loan? It could cost you 40-50% more in interest
Banks have been aggressively promoting credit card loans as a quick source of funds for customers. These loans are often just a few clicks away, appear pre-approved in your app, and promise instant disbursal. But while they seem frictionless, experts warn they can be deceptively expensive. 'It's important to understand the structure and intent behind these offers,' says Siddarth, chief financial officer at MinEMI. 'Credit card loans are a way for banks to monetise inactive cards by offering quick credit, often at lower interest rates than standard card spending but still much higher than other loan types,' he added How credit card loans differ from swipes Unlike regular credit card purchases that qualify for an interest-free period of up to 45 days, a credit card loan starts attracting interest from Day 1. 'A credit card swipe is revolving credit, you can pay in full or partially,' explains Vibhore Goyal, founder at OneBanc. 'A card loan, by contrast, is a fixed EMI commitment with no interest-free buffer. The structure suits the bank, it guarantees interest income,' he added 'These loans may appear within or above your existing credit limit,' adds Shravan Shetty, managing director, Primus Partners. What it costs you Interest rate are usually 18-24 per cent per annum (flat monthly rate of 0.99–1.5 per cent) -Processing fee: 1-2 per cent -Prepayment penalty: 3-5 per cent in some cases -Tenure: 6 to 36 months 'A Rs 1 lakh loan at 1.25 per cent flat rate will cost about Rs 10,000 in interest over a year,' says Goyal. 'While a personal loan at 13 per cent reducing balance interest would cost Rs 6,800. That's nearly 40–50 per cent higher interest just due to the rate structure,' he explained. When it makes sense and when it doesn't Experts agree these loans are best suited for short-term, urgent needs. 'Use them only when speed trumps cost, medical needs, sudden relocation, or unavoidable family expenses,' says Manish Kumar Goyal, chairman and managing director at Finkeda. Avoid lifestyle upgrades or non-critical purchases. 'We've seen people take Rs 1.5 lakh loans for house deposits and later struggle to qualify for home loans due to a high debt-to-income ratio,' cautions Siddarth. 'If the loan helps avoid loss or generate return, like a job-certification course, it's productive. If not, it's just deferred pain,' Goyal adds Fine print borrowers often miss 'The biggest trap isn't hidden. It's behavioural, people see instant access and assume affordability. But fast money comes at a premium,' Goyal said. Bottom line: A credit card loan isn't necessarily a trap but it is a financial commitment. Pause, compare, and ask yourself, 'Is it really urgent, or just easy?'
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Madras Kissaten, a Japanese-style coffee shop serves up coffees alongside matcha and hojicha
Scrolling through an endless stream of Instagram reels featuring labubus, that now infamous Coldplay concert fan cam, and of course, endless pops of matcha on everything, I chance upon something that stops me mid-scroll. A post that asks, is hojicha the new matcha? Is it? I haven't fully immersed myself in the matcha trend yet. I say I love it, but only stick to the safe option – the matcha latte. Do I need to buy a matcha kit? Or try some matcha flavoured protein, before the trend dies? Madras Kissaten, a Japanese style coffee shop might not have the answers to my existential questions, but has both matcha and hojicha on the menu. Siddarth Gananathan, who runs the coffee shop however, has a clear favourite. 'Hojicha has a similar nutty flavour profile when compared to my coffee. My customers here who have tried it over the last few days say it helps them relax,' he says, of the beverage that is currently threatening to dethrone social media's favourite green beverage from its global top spot. A small, quaint space on TTK Road, Madras Kissaten, true to its name, is designed to look like a minimalist Japanese coffee shop. There are glass walls that face the road, and a couple of chairs by the coffee bar, if you would like a view of your pour over being made. I first try the hojicha of course, a golden brown milky iced concoction. The mellow drink comes sweetened with honey and as described, feels like a relaxing, uncomplicated alternative to matcha. This tea might be great, but Madras Kissaten's focus is first and foremost, on their coffee. A Chennai-resident and aspiring filmmaker who fiercely loves his filter coffee, Siddarth says he came up with his own blend when the espressos available at every other coffee shop in the city just would not cut it for him. 'I feel the coffees everywhere else aren't strong enough. I wanted to work on something that would bring out great flavour,' he says. With arabica sourced from Coorg, Siddharth says he worked on a specific roast for a couple of years, perfected it, and then tested it with his close circle. On Madras Kissaten's menu, this blend now features as a specialty coffee called Bold, which you can order as a hot milk coffee or a pour over that can be had either hot or iced. As an iced drink, Bold is strong and flavourful, even if it could be smoother. We also try a hot latte, which tastes best with no sugar and is just the right amount of strong. Also on the menu are the classics, espresso, cold coffee, and for the tea and coffee haters, a hot small space has a tiny coffee brewing set up, complete with a Rocket espresso machine. 'I wanted the focus to solely be on the beverages and there isn't space here for a kitchen anyway,' he says. In the future however, he hopes to have a selection of pastries, cookies and baked goods. For now though, the door proclaims that this is a 'soft launch' and there is always a barista behind the counter, ready to whip up a hot or a cold beverage depending on the day you have had. At 324, TT Krishnamachari Road, Alwarpet. Drinks for two cost ₹400.
India.com
17-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
We Were Getting Abused: CSK Player Recalls Hostile Welcome By RCB Fans During IPL 2025, Also Shares First Meeting With Dhoni
Chennai Super Kings' young talent and Tamil Nadu batter C Andre Siddarth recently shared how his first meeting with MS Dhoni unfolded during the IPL 2025 season. The 18-year-old recounted the memorable experience of meeting the CSK legend on the team bus, revealing that Dhoni initiated their conversation. Speaking on S Badrinath's YouTube channel Cric It with Badri, Siddarth recalled, "It happened on the bus. In the bus, I actually sit in the last seat. I wasn't aware that he sat in the last seat. I was sitting, and he sat next to me. He was the one who interacted with me. I was hesitant, but he interacted with me. He asked me about my age. He asked me about my season. From there, I slowly started talking to him." Siddarth recalls intense RCB-CSK encounter in Bengaluru Andre Siddarth also opened up about the atmosphere ahead of CSK's clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. It was his first time at the venue and he shared how the experience left a lasting impression. "It was my first time there and it felt very different. To be honest, it was scary and exciting because we were going to the ground in the bus and thousands of people were banging the bus. It was scary. It wasn't like this when we played at Chepauk or Wankhede Stadium. But it happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium. As we were entering the stadium, we were getting abused. There was a hostile feeling when we came there. It was a good experience," he shared. RCB edged out CSK in that match by just two runs, securing a season double over their southern rivals for the first time in IPL history. The youngster also revealed a conversation with CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, who indicated that the team is considering giving Siddarth opportunities in the next two seasons. Fleming advised him to use the current season to learn and adapt. "This season, they did not tell me anything like that. This season they told me openly that it was a training season. We are looking to give you a chance in the next two years. In the third practice session, Stephen Fleming interacted with me. He said we are looking at you for the next two seasons. In the first season, look to adapt. Observe how others are playing and learn from it," Siddarth added.
Free Malaysia Today
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Superheroes, slashers and little blue men: what to watch in July
Which of these are you looking forward to watching this month? PETALING JAYA : July is shaping up to be a packed month at the cinema. From long-awaited superhero returns to reboots and sequels – and even a standout local title – here are seven upcoming films to look out for. 1. 'Jurassic World Rebirth' (release date in Malaysia: July 3) Just when you thought the dinosaurs were gone for good, 'Jurassic World Rebirth' brings the franchise back from extinction. This soft reboot is set five years after the events of 'Jurassic World Dominion', and follows a team to the island where Jurassic Park once stood to extract dinosaur DNA, believed to hold the key to major medical breakthroughs. Scarlett Johansson stars as Zora Bennett, a covert operations expert leading the team. Their mission takes an unexpected turn when they come across a civilian family stranded on the island – now revealed to have once housed a secret research facility. 2. '3 BHK' (July 4) Directed by Sri Ganesh and starring Siddarth, this Tamil-language family drama follows an ordinary middle-class family's emotional journey to own a three-bedroom flat, capturing the everyday sacrifices and dreams shared by many households. The film also marks a nostalgic reunion for actors Sarath Kumar and Devayani, who appeared in several popular films together in the 1990s. It's a heartfelt, grounded story amidst this month's bigger blockbusters. 3. 'Superman' (July 10) The Man of Steel is ready to take flight once again – this time under the direction of James Gunn. Known for 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'The Suicide Squad', the director and co-CEO of DC Studios has promised a mix of action, heart, and humour. Central to the story is the iconic rivalry – Superman's clash with Lex Luthor, whose intellect and ambition make him one of the most dangerous threats the hero has ever faced. With this film also setting the tone for the new DC Universe, expectations are sky-high. David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent/Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and appearances from Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and even Superman's loyal dog, Krypto. 4. 'The Smurfs' (July 17) The Smurfs are back, this time in an animated musical adventure! Rihanna voices Smurfette, who leads the little blue men into the human world to rescue Papa Smurf from the villainous Gargamel and newcomer Rasamel. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. Directed by Chris Miller ('Shrek the Third', 'Puss in Boots'), the film features a solid ensemble voice cast including John Goodman, Sandra Oh, Natasha Lyonne and James Corden. Kids will love this one! 5. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' (July 17) Twenty-eight years after the original slasher hit terrified audiences, 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' returns as a direct sequel, with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze, Jr reprising their roles as Julie James and Ray Bronson. The story follows a new group of friends who, after covering up a hit-and-run, begin receiving threatening messages from someone who clearly knows what they have done. As the situation turns deadly, they reach out to Julie and Ray – survivors of the original Southport massacre – for help to escape the same fate. 6. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' (July 24) After one infamous flop in 2015, Marvel's first family is getting a fresh introduction to its cinematic universe. Directed by Matt Shakman ('WandaVision'), 'First Steps' is set in an alternate, retro-futuristic 1960s New York. Find out how Mr Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) balance family dynamics with world-saving responsibility. Their primary threat? Galactus, a cosmic force that consumes entire planets, with the Silver Surfer appearing as his herald. Fans will recall that a post-credits scene in 'Thunderbolts' teased the team's arrival, suggesting they may be escaping from a collapsing universe, and hinting at bigger multiversal events to come. 7. 'Macai' (July 24) Malaysian filmmaker Sun-J (Shanjhey) Perumal, of 'Jagat' fame, returns with this Tamil-language crime drama set in the fictional Southeast Asian country of Lingapura. Siam (Karnan Kanapathy) is a drug dealer who loses a stash belonging to a violent kingpin. With no choice but to recover the loss, he ropes in a friend – sparking a chaotic journey that tests their survival and fate. 'Macai' premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam earlier this year and was the only Malaysian title in the Big Screen Competition.
